“There is a time for departure even when there’s no certain place to go.” – Tennessee Williams
One of the most powerful actions we can take is no action. By making the choice to cut out certain things from our life we make the action that we do take more potent. Though it’s said that “Quitters never win, and Winners never quit” there are times when we need to quit things in order to live out our priorities and values. (Just make sure not to quit when you are doing those things.) Knowing when to let go and why to let go will help you live a life by your values and priorities.
When To Let Go
When something is not in your control
By definition, if there is something that is not in your control (which, by the way, is quite a few things) you can no longer act to influence the outcome. This is a perfect time to let go. Take action up to the point where you can do no more, then let the Universe handle it. Pay attention and know whether or not something is still within your control.
When something is not in line with your values or priorities
When you realize that something in your life is no longer in line with your values and priorities (or never was) let it go. A relationship you have has run its course, the job you are in doesn’t make use of your best skills. These are things that need to go.
Why Let Go
You will have more energy
Letting go of things that are out of your control or don’t fall in line with your values and priorities frees up your personal energy, and this is one of the most important things that you have. Many people think that what they need more of is time, when really they need more energy. Then they would be able to use their time better.
You will be living the life you want
Anything that you do that is not important to you, basically dilutes your action and affects the big picture of your life. Let all of your actions be potent. Think about this – if you are only taking actions that match your values and priorities and doing things that are important to you, what will you end up with? The life that you’ve visualized in your head! Right?
What a great reminder – it’s easy (for me, anyway) to think not of not doing, but instead – of continuing to do. And when what we’re doing goes against our values or priorities, are we really providing something of substance. I can think of a couple of instances in my life, and I feel burnt out by them, and they are not a priority in my life. I just need to determine a way to remove myself from these activities. Thanks for the reminder Amanda!
Lance – You said it perfectly – we tend to always think of continuing to do and not what we should discontinue doing. This bias towards action is a good thing in a lot of instances, but “doing” does have limits!
Hi Amanda, I guess I haven’t told you… congratz for your blog. This blog has a great theme… I’m expecting to learn a lot from you.
I’m wondering if you have ever read the book Margin. I read a few first chapters and I found it very good. It discusses deeply on this topic, the importance on boundary and letting go.
Cheers and all the best for you!
Robert
Oh yeah, one more feedback. I will suggest you change the text color to black. It will be more readable.
Thanks,
Robert
Robert – Thanks a lot! I have never read Margin, but I’ll have to check it out. Having boundaries is definitely important. Also, you’re right about the font – black will be much more readable. Thanks for the suggestion!